THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 5:1-5
“He was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand.” (Esther 5:2)
There is something disturbing to me about this picture.
Esther, unworthy, desperately hoping to please the king, to not be killed.
A mere bug, before a mighty giant, who could be crushed at the giant’s fancy.
This is how many people view God, as if they were approaching an arrogant human king.
There are important differences.
First of all, God is not just claiming to be great, He is God.
Xerxes is a flawed human claiming to be great, though Esther is his equal (before God).
And it is not external beauty that God seeks, that pleases God.
But character beauty, beauty of the heart, goodness, kindness, love, honour.
Finally, these are not just things God expects, they are things God does.
Xerxes would not humble himself before Esther, but God humbles Himself before us.
God models the beauty He seeks, and extends His ‘gold scepter’ before we please Him.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Do you see the difference: Esther has to be beautiful before Xerxes accepts her.
But God loves us when we are ugly within, and does what He can to beautify us.
God is NOT an arrogant tyrant, a harsh and demanding ogre, walking over His lowly subjects.
“Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, boldly I approach Your throne. Not because I am so good or worthy, but because You are. Your grace not only makes You beautiful, it makes me beautiful!